​Do you have a beautiful, funny, messy, unforgettable story about your Chosen Family?
We want to hear it.

 

The mission of The Chosen Family Project™ book, Belonging, is to create an important document that not only memorializes our stories for future generations, but also helps support the rural organizations central to our mission. The book exists to protect, celebrate, and advance the health, safety, and well-being of LGBTQ+ chosen families—families built not by biology, but by love, loyalty, and the people who chose to stand beside us through life.

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These are the people who showed up. The ones who stayed. The ones who became home.

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At a time when anti-LGBTQ+ legislation seeks to erase our lives and histories, sharing your story is more than meaningful—it’s an act of visibility, preservation, and pride. Your voice helps ensure our families are seen, remembered, and respected.

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Whether you submit a short reflection, a powerful memory, or a few lines about what “family” means to you, your contribution matters.

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If your story is selected for our website or upcoming book, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with our editors and photographers to help bring it to life. No story will be published online or in print without your written permission after the editing process.

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Need inspiration? Consider sharing:
 

• Who are you, and who makes up your Chosen Family?

• How has your Chosen Family given you belonging, warmth, or the freedom to be fully yourself?

• Do you have a favorite family tradition or celebration? Why does it matter?

• What does “family” mean to you now?
   

Submission Guidelines:

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• Length: 300–1200 words

• Prefer speaking over writing? Audio submissions are welcome.

• Photos: We’d love to see your Chosen Family. You may submit photos with or without a story.

• Anonymous submissions: Absolutely welcome.

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Thank you for helping preserve our history and celebrate our joy.

We can’t wait to hear your story.

 

 

For questions: Please email Steven@TheChosenFamilyProject.org

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With gratitude,
The Chosen Family Project™